Artwork

The Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony

The Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony, by James Ensor, 1904
The Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony, by James Ensor, 1904

The Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony is a print by James Ensor. It dates from 1904 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1971.108.6

About this work

Overview

The Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony is a 1904 print by James Ensor, a Belgian artist associated with the progressive group Les XX.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a chaotic scene of three distorted figures engaged in excessive consumption of food, symbolizing the moral failing of gluttony. The exaggerated forms and vivid depiction convey a sense of moral commentary.

Technique & Style

Ensor's use of rough, expressive lines and distorted forms creates a sense of unease and exaggeration, characteristic of his style. The print's visual language reflects his influence on later expressionist and surrealist movements.

Context

The print is part of a series by Ensor exploring the Seven Deadly Sins, a theme that allowed him to critique societal norms through grotesque and fantastical imagery.

The Seven Deadly Sins: Lust
The Seven Deadly Sins: Lust, James Ensor

Artist & collection

Portrait of James Ensor

Artist

James Ensor

James Sidney Edouard, Baron Ensor (13 April 1860 – 19 November 1949) was a Belgian painter and printmaker, an important influence on expressionism and surrealism who lived in Ostend for most of his life.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony?

The Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony was painted by James Ensor in 1904.

Where can I see The Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony?

The Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Can I buy a print of The Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony?

Museum-quality prints of The Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.